Michelle Zielinski, center, hugs Jared Goudsmit after President Barack Obama is projected to win during an election watch party at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. less

Michelle Zielinski, center, hugs Jared Goudsmit after President Barack Obama is projected to win during an election watch party at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, on Tuesday, November 6, ... more

People celebrate the news that U.S. President Barack Obama has won re-election in Times Square in New York, U.S., in the early morning on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. Obama, the post-partisan candidate of hope who became the first black U.S. president, won re-election today by overcoming four years of economic discontent with a mix of political populism and electoral math. less

People celebrate the news that U.S. President Barack Obama has won re-election in Times Square in New York, U.S., in the early morning on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. Obama, the post-partisan candidate of hope who ... more

Photo: Scott Eells, Bloomberg

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Republican presidential candidate, Mitt Romney is greeted by wife, Ann Romney, Republican vice presidential candidate, U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), and wife, Janna Ryan after conceding the presidency during Mitt Romney's campaign election night event at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center on November 7, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. After voters went to the polls in the heavily contested presidential race, networks projected incumbent U.S. President Barack Obama has won re-election against Republican candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. less

Martha Nunez, 53, of the Bronx, reacts to positive predictions for President Barack Obama as crowds watch election results in Times Square, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in New York. After a year of campaigning, polls have begun to close after Americans across the United States headed to the polls to decide the winner of the tight presidential race between President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. less

Martha Nunez, 53, of the Bronx, reacts to positive predictions for President Barack Obama as crowds watch election results in Times Square, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in New York. After a year of campaigning, polls ... more

President Barack Obama supporters celebrate televised reports of his projected re-election for president of the United States during a rally at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

President Barack Obama supporters celebrate televised reports of his projected re-election for president of the United States during a rally at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Md., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

Anita Flanigan, left, and Renee Drake react after President Obama reaches the 270 Electoral College votes during the Michigan Democratic election night party at the MGM Grand Detroit, following Election Day, early Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. less

Anita Flanigan, left, and Renee Drake react after President Obama reaches the 270 Electoral College votes during the Michigan Democratic election night party at the MGM Grand Detroit, following Election Day, ... more

A supporter reacts to voting results displayed on a television screen during Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's election night rally, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Boston.

A supporter reacts to voting results displayed on a television screen during Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney's election night rally, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Boston.

Photo: David Goldman, Associated Press

A supporter reacts to voting results displayed on a television... Photo-3701518.51992 - seattlepi.com

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Kelly Rodgers, 18, of Philadelphia, holds a sign saying "We Will Barack You" as people celebrate outside of the White House after President Barack Obama won re-election against Mitt Romney in the presidential election on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012. less

Kelly Rodgers, 18, of Philadelphia, holds a sign saying "We Will Barack You" as people celebrate outside of the White House after President Barack Obama won re-election against Mitt Romney in the presidential ... more

The Empire State Building is lit red white and blue for election night November 6, 2012 in New York City. Voters went to polls in the heavily contested presidential race between incumbent U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. less

The Empire State Building is lit red white and blue for election night November 6, 2012 in New York City. Voters went to polls in the heavily contested presidential race between incumbent U.S. President Barack ... more

Photo: Allison Joyce, Getty Images

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Starlette Dossou and Rachelle Zanders both of Des Moines, Iowa, celebrate after projections that President Barack Obama was the winner of the election during an election night rally, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Des Moines, Iowa. less

Starlette Dossou and Rachelle Zanders both of Des Moines, Iowa, celebrate after projections that President Barack Obama was the winner of the election during an election night rally, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in ... more

Howard Nizebeth, 48, watches election results in Times Square, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in New York. After a year of campaigning, polls have begun to close after Americans across the United States headed to the polls to decide the winner of the tight presidential race between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. less

Howard Nizebeth, 48, watches election results in Times Square, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in New York. After a year of campaigning, polls have begun to close after Americans across the United States headed to the ... more

Romney supporters Rodney Paseka (L) and Gary Fox watch the returns during an election night watch party at The Venetian on November 6, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Voters went to polls in the heavily contested presidential race between incumbent U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. less

Romney supporters Rodney Paseka (L) and Gary Fox watch the returns during an election night watch party at The Venetian on November 6, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Voters went to polls in the heavily contested ... more

Voters lined up to cast their vote at the Boston Public Library November 6, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. The final national polls showed an effective tie, with either US President Barack Obama or Republican challenger Mitt Romney favored by a single point in most surveys. less

Voters lined up to cast their vote at the Boston Public Library November 6, 2012 in Boston, Massachusetts. The final national polls showed an effective tie, with either US President Barack Obama or Republican ... more

Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY, AFP/Getty Images

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Mike Wigart (2nd L), 30, secures his surfboard against a ballot box during U.S. presidential elections at a polling station in the garage of the Los Angeles County lifeguard headquarters on November 6, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Californians will cast ballots in dozens of tight races including Gov. Jerry Brown's tax plan, abolishing the death penalty, easing the state's strict "three strikes" sentencing law and also in the Presidential race between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney. less

Mike Wigart (2nd L), 30, secures his surfboard against a ballot box during U.S. presidential elections at a polling station in the garage of the Los Angeles County lifeguard headquarters on November 6, 2012 in ... more

Alvina DeVault takes a moment to contemplate her choices while voting at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, in Lafayette, Ind., on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. The 91-year-old DeVault hasn't missed casting her ballot in an election since Franklin D. Roosevelt was president. less

Alvina DeVault takes a moment to contemplate her choices while voting at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, in Lafayette, Ind., on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. The 91-year-old DeVault hasn't missed casting her ... more

Volunteer Clare Frew puts away a life-size cut out of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney as she prepares to close the Chatham County Republican Campaign office, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Savannah, Ga. After a grinding presidential campaign, Americans are heading into polling places across the country. less

Volunteer Clare Frew puts away a life-size cut out of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney as she prepares to close the Chatham County Republican Campaign office, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Savannah, Ga. After a ... more

Members of the mariachi band "Gallos de Jalisco" play to remind California citizens to get out and cast their vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in the Sun Valley district of Los Angeles. Latinos now number about 53 million in the U.S., about 17 percent of the population, with some 24 million eligible to vote. less

Members of the mariachi band "Gallos de Jalisco" play to remind California citizens to get out and cast their vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in the Sun Valley district of Los Angeles. Latinos now number about 53 ... more

Photo: Damian Dovarganes, Associated Press

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Ed Lippman, 58, wears a message on his jacket on Election Day while walking home, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Hoboken, N.J.

Ed Lippman, 58, wears a message on his jacket on Election Day while walking home, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Hoboken, N.J.

Photo: Julio Cortez, Associated Press

Ed Lippman, 58, wears a message on his jacket on Election Day while... Photo-3699949.51992 - seattlepi.com

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Thomas Carroll, 48, of Hoboken, N.J., center left, gives a kiss to his new bride, Stephanie McClure, of Smyrna, Ga., as a small party cheers for them moments after they were married by city clerk James Farina at Hoboken City Hall, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Hoboken, N.J. The couple was scheduled to get married on Nov. 3, in Point Pleasant, N.J., but Superstorm Sandy washed away their wedding. Meanwhile, residents of Hoboken voted in the presidential election on Election Day in a polling place located in the adjacent room. less

Thomas Carroll, 48, of Hoboken, N.J., center left, gives a kiss to his new bride, Stephanie McClure, of Smyrna, Ga., as a small party cheers for them moments after they were married by city clerk James Farina ... more

Poll workers Eva Prenga, right, Roxanne Blancero, center, and Carole Sevchuk try to start an optical scanner voting machine in the cold and dark at a polling station in a tent in the Midland Beach section of Staten Island, New York, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. The original polling site, a school, was damaged by Superstorm Sandy. less

Poll workers Eva Prenga, right, Roxanne Blancero, center, and Carole Sevchuk try to start an optical scanner voting machine in the cold and dark at a polling station in a tent in the Midland Beach section of ... more

Donald Clark votes on a chair on the gym floor of the third ward precinct at Marcy School, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Minneapolis.

Donald Clark votes on a chair on the gym floor of the third ward precinct at Marcy School, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Minneapolis.

Photo: Elizabeth Flores, Associated Press

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Joyce Fabre' opens stacks of ballots at King County Elections headquarters on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Renton, Wash. After a grinding presidential campaign President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, yield center stage to American voters Tuesday for an Election Day choice that will frame the contours of government and the nation for years to come. less

Joyce Fabre' opens stacks of ballots at King County Elections headquarters on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Renton, Wash. After a grinding presidential campaign President Barack Obama and Republican presidential ... more

Photo: John Lok, Associated Press

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People enter Washington Mill Elementary School to cast their vote in the U.S. presidential race, on November 6, 2012, in Alexandria, Virginia. Recent polls show that U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney are in a tight race. less

People enter Washington Mill Elementary School to cast their vote in the U.S. presidential race, on November 6, 2012, in Alexandria, Virginia. Recent polls show that U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican ... more

Photo: Patrick Smith, Getty Images

People enter Washington Mill Elementary School to cast their vote... Photo-3699955.51992 - seattlepi.com

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Voters line up outside the Montgomery County precint 80 polling place at the Imperial Oaks Neighborhood Center on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Spring.

Voters line up outside the Montgomery County precint 80 polling place at the Imperial Oaks Neighborhood Center on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Spring.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Volunteer David Bowser peeks outside the Pinellas County Democratic Party headquarters November 6, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bowser showed up to provide rides to polls for those in need. The swing state of Florida is a hotly-contested battleground that offers 29 electoral votes. less

Volunteer David Bowser peeks outside the Pinellas County Democratic Party headquarters November 6, 2012 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bowser showed up to provide rides to polls for those in need. The swing state ... more

Children from Kingdom Kinds Child Development Center march past a polling station to get out the vote at Dunbar High School on November 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. The latest polls continue to show a tight race between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. less

Children from Kingdom Kinds Child Development Center march past a polling station to get out the vote at Dunbar High School on November 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. The latest polls continue to show a tight race ... more

Photo: Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images

Children from Kingdom Kinds Child Development Center march past a... Photo-3699960.51992 - seattlepi.com

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Ora Thornton calls voters at a Romney/Ryan campaign phone bank November 6, 2012 in Reno, Nevada. As Americans go to vote, President Barack Obama and Republican nominee former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney remain in a virtual tie in the national polls. less

Election workers help a voter, right, finalize his affidavit ballot at a consolidated polling station for residents of the Rockaways on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in the Queens borough of New York. Election Day turnout was heavy in several storm-ravaged areas in New York and New Jersey, with many voters expressing relief and even elation at being able to vote at all, considering the devastation. less

Election workers help a voter, right, finalize his affidavit ballot at a consolidated polling station for residents of the Rockaways on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in the Queens borough of New York. ... more

2-year-old Liana Brinkerhoff, top left, looks on while sitting on the shoulder of her farther at a polling place in Billings, Mont., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. After a grinding presidential campaign, Americans are heading into polling places across the country. less

2-year-old Liana Brinkerhoff, top left, looks on while sitting on the shoulder of her farther at a polling place in Billings, Mont., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. After a grinding presidential campaign, Americans are ... more

Voters check in before casting their ballots under a tent at a consolidated polling station for residents of the Rockaways on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in the Queens borough of New York. Election Day turnout was heavy in several storm-ravaged areas in New York and New Jersey, with many voters expressing relief and even elation at being able to vote at all, considering the devastation. less

Voters check in before casting their ballots under a tent at a consolidated polling station for residents of the Rockaways on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in the Queens borough of New York. Election Day ... more

Photo: Jason DeCrow, Associated Press

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Voters wait in the rain for the poll to open at the May Town Hall in May Township, Minnesota, on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Voters wait in the rain for the poll to open at the May Town Hall in May Township, Minnesota, on Tuesday, November 6, 2012.

Photo: Jim Gehrz, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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People prepare to cast their ballots inside polling booths just after midnight on November 6, 2012 in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, the very first voting to take place in the 2012 US presidential election. The final national polls showed an effective tie, with either US President Barack Obama or Republican challenger Mitt Romney favored by a single point in most surveys, reflecting the polarized politics of a deeply divided nation. less

People prepare to cast their ballots inside polling booths just after midnight on November 6, 2012 in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, the very first voting to take place in the 2012 US presidential election. ... more

Bety Etzel high-fives her daughter-in-law after voting in the presidential election in Bay Head Fire Station 14 on November 6, 2012 in Bay Head, New Jersey. As the New Jersey coastline continues to recover from Superstorm Sandy, numerous polling stations have had to be merged and relocated due to storm damage and power outages. less

Bety Etzel high-fives her daughter-in-law after voting in the presidential election in Bay Head Fire Station 14 on November 6, 2012 in Bay Head, New Jersey. As the New Jersey coastline continues to recover from ... more

Brad Walker, 36, a first-time voter, puts his sticker on his nose after casting his ballot at St Patrick's Church polling station November 6, 2012 on the southside of Youngstown, Ohio. Recent polls show U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney locked in a tight race. less

Brad Walker, 36, a first-time voter, puts his sticker on his nose after casting his ballot at St Patrick's Church polling station November 6, 2012 on the southside of Youngstown, Ohio. Recent polls show U.S. ... more

People cast their ballots at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. The latest polls continue to show a tight race between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. less

People cast their ballots at the Columbia Heights Educational Campus on Tuesday, November 6, 2012 in Washington, DC. The latest polls continue to show a tight race between President Barack Obama and Republican ... more

Photo: Brendan Hoffman, Getty Images

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Displaced from his assigned polling location, Larry Zassman of Oceanside marks his ballot via cell phone light at the generator powered First United Methodist Church on November 6, 2012 in Oceanside, New York. The Many voters in New York and New Jersey are voting at alternate locations in the presidential election due to disruption from Superstorm Sandy. less

Displaced from his assigned polling location, Larry Zassman of Oceanside marks his ballot via cell phone light at the generator powered First United Methodist Church on November 6, 2012 in Oceanside, New York. ... more

Larrita Moore talks about filling out a change of address form as Syrus Walters, 4, asks for a sticker on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Atlantic Beach, S.C.

Larrita Moore talks about filling out a change of address form as Syrus Walters, 4, asks for a sticker on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in Atlantic Beach, S.C.

Photo: Janet Blackmon Morgan, Associated Press

Larrita Moore talks about filling out a change of address form as... Photo-3699983.51992 - seattlepi.com

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A biker passes by a pair of mailboxes in the Capitol Hill neighborhood November 6, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Colorado is considered by most experts to be one of the key battleground state in this year's presidential election. less

A biker passes by a pair of mailboxes in the Capitol Hill neighborhood November 6, 2012 in Denver, Colorado. Colorado is considered by most experts to be one of the key battleground state in this year's ... more

Photo: Marc Piscotty, Getty Images

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Bill Purcell votes at the Centerville Fire Station in Centerville, Idaho, on Nov. 6, 2012. The economy was his big concern as he cast his vote. "I think it needs to be overhauled. I think a new president would help," he says. less

Bill Purcell votes at the Centerville Fire Station in Centerville, Idaho, on Nov. 6, 2012. The economy was his big concern as he cast his vote. "I think it needs to be overhauled. I think a new president would ... more

Photo: Katherine Jones, Associated Press

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Peter Johnson, top left, casts his ballot with help from his three children Joe, 8, obscured bottom left, Nora, 4, center, and Sam, 6, at Cedar Bluff Middle School in Knoxville, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

Peter Johnson, top left, casts his ballot with help from his three children Joe, 8, obscured bottom left, Nora, 4, center, and Sam, 6, at Cedar Bluff Middle School in Knoxville, Tenn., Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

Photo: J. Miles Cary, Associated Press

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Benjamin Amissah, 11, hugs his sister Andre Amissah, after she received a souvenir Obama mug while waiting with their mother, Susanna Amissah, center, in a line of voters stretching several blocks on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, N.Y. "I got it because I am excited about President Obama," said Andre. less

Benjamin Amissah, 11, hugs his sister Andre Amissah, after she received a souvenir Obama mug while waiting with their mother, Susanna Amissah, center, in a line of voters stretching several blocks on Tuesday, ... more

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a location across the street from the University of Texas at Austin campus on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in Austin, Texas. After a grinding presidential campaign President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, yield center stage to American voters Tuesday for an Election Day choice that will frame the contours of government and the nation for years to come. less

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a location across the street from the University of Texas at Austin campus on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 in Austin, Texas. After a grinding presidential campaign ... more

Photo: Tamir Kalifa, Associated Press

Voters wait in line to cast their ballots at a location across the... Photo-3699992.51992 - seattlepi.com